Faraday Future launches sub-$2,500 humanoid robots for schools and developers
The EV maker’s robotics arm unveils two affordable humanoid models aimed at education and early-stage development, following a major corporate restructuring.
Key points
- Faraday Future launched the $2,490 FF Nova and $299 FF Nova Mini on 15 October.
- The release follows a $200 million all-stock deal to spin out the robotics business.
- Initial Nova units are invitation-only, with wider sales planned for later phases.
Faraday Future and its sister company FF EAI Robotics Ecosystem have introduced two new humanoid robots designed to make physical artificial intelligence more accessible to educational institutions and software developers. The launch marks a significant shift for the electric vehicle manufacturer, which is pivoting resources toward robotics after agreeing to separate its robotics division from its automotive operations.
The FF Nova, priced at $2,490, targets developers and schools, while the smaller FF Nova Mini costs $299 and is aimed at children aged eight and older. According to The Next Web, these devices represent an attempt to bring embodied AI out of research laboratories and into practical, real-world applications for a broader audience.
What we know
The FF Nova features twenty degrees of freedom, allowing it to walk, wave, and recover from being knocked over. It stands 49.7 centimetres tall and weighs 2.8 kilograms. The robot can also operate on a detachable wheeled base. A separate developer software package adds $390 to the cost, enabling integration with ROS 2, a standard robotics framework. The companies claim Nova is the first embodied AI humanoid sold in the US for under $2,500, though this has not been independently verified.
Distribution of the FF Nova will occur in three phases. The initial release is limited to one hundred units for invited developers and schools, with twenty units ready to ship immediately. Wider sales to developers and a full consumer launch are planned for future dates, which have not yet been announced. The smaller Nova Mini weighs under one kilogram and can perform forward rolls. It supports block-based programming and comes with a voucher for a $499 course of sixteen live online classes.
The product launch coincides with a corporate restructuring. FF EAI Robotics Ecosystem, formerly known as AIxCrypto Holdings, agreed to acquire Faraday Future’s robotics business in an all-stock deal valued at approximately $200 million. Faraday Future will retain a 65.7 per cent stake in the new entity. Jerry Wang, chief executive of FF EAI Robotics Ecosystem, described the launch as a critical step in moving physical AI from theoretical research to tangible applications.
Defender's checklist
- Verify the physical security of any connected robotics hardware in educational or lab environments.
- Ensure that developer accounts accessing robot control software use strong, unique credentials.
- Monitor network traffic for unusual data exfiltration from devices running simulation software.
- Keep all robotics operating systems and frameworks updated to the latest stable versions.
The background in plain language
Embodied AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that control physical bodies, such as robots, rather than existing solely as software. This allows machines to interact with the real world through movement and sensors. Teams usually begin by training these systems in simulation environments before deploying them on actual hardware. This approach helps developers test complex movements and decision-making processes safely. Checking whether the simulation accurately reflects physical reality is crucial for reliable performance.
What to do and how to stay safe: Faraday Future
- Review the security policies for any IoT or robotics devices connected to your local network.
- Isolate development hardware from critical corporate data networks to limit exposure.
- Monitor for unauthorized access attempts to robot control interfaces or simulation platforms.
- Ensure that all software frameworks used for robot development are from trusted vendors.
General security guidance from the TechWire Beat newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the FF Nova robot cost?
The FF Nova is priced at $2,490, with an additional $390 for the developer software package.
Who is the FF Nova Mini designed for?
The FF Nova Mini is designed for children aged eight and older and supports block-based programming.
What is the relationship between Faraday Future and FF EAI Robotics Ecosystem?
FF EAI Robotics Ecosystem agreed to buy Faraday Future’s robotics business in a $200 million all-stock deal, with Faraday Future retaining a majority stake.
